Tray and clip structure for optomechanical components

ABSTRACT

Presented herein is a tray for shipping, handling, and/or processing optomechanical components. The tray has a plurality of pockets arranged in an array, wherein each pocket is configured to hold one optomechanical component, and wherein each pocket includes at least one fiducial hole, at least one vacuum hole, a first cradle element configured to support a clip that attaches to one or more optical fibers of the optomechanical component, and a second cradle element configured to support a head of the optomechanical component. Also presented herein is a clip for an optomechanical component that includes a body having a top face and a bottom face, and a plurality of gripping elements arranged in pairs on the bottom face, each pair of gripping elements configured to support a barrel of an optical connector attached to a corresponding optical fiber of the pair of optical fibers.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 16/695,486, filed Nov. 26, 2019, entitled “Tray and ClipStructure for Optomechanical Components,” the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference, and which in turn claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/861,346, filed Jun. 14, 2019,entitled “Trays for Optomechanical Components”.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to trays for optomechanical components.

BACKGROUND

The shipping and handling of optomechanical components, such as opticalfiber arrays, may be a challenge due to the sensitivity of thecomponents and the nature of cleanroom environments. In a high-volumemanufacturing scenario, properly processing optomechanical componentscan result in decreased productivity (e.g., in terms of units processedper hour and/or cycle time per unit), more hours of personnel time,increased material utilization and wastage, and an increase in the levelof accountability required when traversing through multiple assemblylocations. Thus, processing optomechanical components properly can be acostly endeavor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an isometric view of a tray foroptomechanical components, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a top view of a tray for optomechanicalcomponents, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a bottom view of a tray for optomechanicalcomponents, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a side view of a tray for optomechanicalcomponents, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting a top view of a portion of a tray foroptomechanical components, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting a first sectional view of a portion of atray for optomechanical components, in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting a second sectional view of a portion of atray for optomechanical components, in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting an isometric view of a portion of a trayfor optomechanical components, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting a top view of a tray for optomechanicalcomponents and showing optomechanical components mounted in pockets ofthe tray, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting a third sectional view of a portion of atray for optomechanical components, in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram depicting a pocket of the tray with anoptomechanical component mounted thereon, in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 12A is a diagram depicting a top view of an optomechanicalcomponent, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12B is a diagram depicting an isometric view of an optomechanicalcomponent, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12C is a diagram depicting a side view of the pocket of a tray, inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12D is a diagram depicting an isometric view of a clip for anoptomechanical component, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a diagram depicting a top view of the pocket for anoptomechanical component, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a diagram depicting a top view of the pocket that issupporting an optomechanical component, with reference to a tray, inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a diagram depicting an isometric view of a clip for anoptomechanical component, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 14B and 14C are diagrams depicting an isometric view of a clip foran optomechanical component, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams depicting a vacuum tip tool of a bondingmachine engaging an optomechanical component assembly, in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart depicting a method of engaging an optomechanicalcomponent assembly using a vacuum tip tool, in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a diagram depicting an optomechanical component assemblyprior to being constrained, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 17B is a diagram depicting an optomechanical component assemblythat is constrained, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart depicting a method of constraining anoptomechanical component assembly, in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 19A is a diagram depicting an isometric view of a carrier, inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 19B is a diagram depicting an isometric view of a carrier and anoptomechanical component assembly, in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIGS. 19C and 19D are diagrams depicting an isometric view of a carrierand an optomechanical component assembly in a sliding module of afixture, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart depicting a method of examining anoptomechanical component, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

In one embodiment, a tray is provided for shipping, handling, and/orprocessing optomechanical components. The design of the tray providesfor the safe delivery of components, and ensures that the tray may becompatible with existing automation tools as a process piece part,thereby reducing human involvement during the assembly process. Presentembodiments provide significant cost-savings along with the additionalbenefits of reduced per-unit cycle times and increased unit-per-hourprocessing rates.

A tray for shipping, handling, and/or processing optomechanicalcomponents may include a plurality of pockets arranged in an array,wherein each pocket is configured to hold one optomechanical component,and wherein each pocket includes at least one fiducial, at least onevacuum hole, a first cradle element configured to support a clip thatattaches to one or more optical fibers of the optomechanical component,and a second cradle element configured to support a head of theoptomechanical component.

Example Embodiments

The present disclosure relates to trays for optomechanical components.In the field of electronics manufacturing, standard dimensions forcomponents may be defined by organizations or standardization bodies,such as the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) SolidState Technology Association. Certain devices, such as ball grid arraypackages, ceramic packages, and processed silicon chips, may requiretrays whose geometries satisfy particular standards in order to housethe devices during shipping or handling. Embodiments presented hereinprovide a tray suitable for housing unwieldly and delicateoptomechanical components, such as optical fiber array units. Opticalfiber array units may have connectorized optical fibers that are eitherindividually separated or in ribbon form. The optical fibers may beconnectorized with optical connectors such as Lucent Connector (LC)ports (also known as Little Connector or Local Connector ports).

Each pocket may be designed to hold a component in a desired orientationthat enables components to be safely transported. Moreover, componentsmay be positioned in pockets in a manner that facilitates the assemblyprocess in a factory or cleanroom. For example, bonder machines mayrequire piece parts to be positioned within a certain tolerance limit inorder to be accurately gripped and picked up either mechanically or byvacuum. The tolerances of each pocket's features should therefore matchthe requirements of the appropriate equipment set. The presence of looseLC ports in two-channel fiber arrays may present additional problemsthat are addressed by embodiments presented herein.

By employing trays to ship and handle fiber arrays, costs may besignificantly reduced, as fiber arrays are conventionally shipped inindividual plastic pouches on a thermoformed plastic tray. Thus, presentembodiments reduce the amount of materials that are wasted during theprocessing of fiber arrays. Each tray may be filled with fiber arrays,and stacks of four to five trays can be contained in vacuum-sealed bags.Using present embodiments, a fiber array bonder can be loaded with anentire tray of fiber arrays, greatly decreasing the per-unit processingtime by avoiding the need to unpack fiber arrays individually. Thus,embodiments presented herein can enable automation in high-volumemanufacturing scenarios, thereby achieving net increased weekly outputby over 63%.

Embodiments are now described in detail with reference to the figures.Depicted measurements are in units of millimeters; in some embodiments,the measurements may vary from the depicted values. In some embodiments,the depicted measurements vary within acceptable tolerance ranges.

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an isometric view of a tray 100 foroptomechanical components, in accordance with an example embodiment. Atray includes a plurality of pockets 101 forming an M×N or M×M matrixthat may each house an optomechanical components. The size of the matrixof pockets 101 may be determined according to the dimension of the piecepart being housed in the tray. For example, the tray 100 depicted inFIG. 1 features a six-by-six matrix of pockets 101; alternativeembodiments may feature various other matrix sizes. In some embodiments,the dimensions of a tray conform to a standard outlined in JEDEC SolidState Technology Association Publication Number 95 Design Guide 4.10,and a tray 100 may meet a maximum temperature rating outlined inPublication 95 Design Guide 4.10. Trays 100 may be stackable inquantities of three to eight units. The material of a tray 100 may be acarbon-filled glass composite or equivalent, and may have a staticdissipative surface resistivity of 10⁵ to 10¹² ohms/square.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a top view of a tray 100 foroptomechanical components, in accordance with an example embodiment. Asdepicted, the tray 100 includes a plurality of pockets 101, handles 102to facilitate pick-up of the tray by humans, equipment, etc. Portion 104of the tray is depicted and described in further detail with respect toFIGS. 5-7 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a bottom view of a tray 100 foroptomechanical components, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a side view of a tray 100 foroptomechanical components, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting a top view of a portion 104 of a tray 100,in accordance with an example embodiment. As depicted, portion 104includes four pockets 101, each of which may hold one optomechanicalcomponent. Each pocket 101 may include two side holes 106, a center hole108, a vacuum hole 110, a fiducial hole 112, a first cradle element 114configured to support a clip that attaches to one or more optical fibersof the optomechanical component, and a second cradle element 116configured to support a head of the optomechanical component. Portion104 includes two planes for sectional views, plane AA and plane BB,which are depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 , respectively.

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting a first sectional view of the portion 104of a tray 100, in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 6 depictsa sectional view corresponding to plane AA of FIG. 5 . As depicted, thefirst cradle element 114 has arms 118 that may support an optomechanicalcomponent by an attached clip. The second cradle element 116 includes aplurality of fins 120 that support a head of an optomechanical componentby surrounding the head to hold the optomechanical component in place.In some embodiments, there are eight fins 120, with two fins 120 pereach of the four sides of a head. FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting a secondsectional view of the portion 104 of tray 100, in accordance with anexample embodiment. FIG. 7 depicts a sectional view corresponding toplane BB of FIG. 5 . As depicted, the arm 118 of the first cradleelement 114 has an inset portion. The second cradle element 116 includesa plurality of fins 120. Each fin 120 may include a face that is slanteddownward, as depicted, toward a space that would be occupied by a headof an optomechanical component placed in the pocket 101. Also depictedare vacuum hole 110 and fiducial hole 112, which are situated adjacentto the second cradle element 116.

FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting an isometric view of a portion of a tray100, in accordance with an example embodiment. As depicted, two pockets101 of the tray 100 each contain an optomechanical component 122. Theoptomechanical component 122 may include two flexible optical fibersthat are each connected to a same head element. The optomechanicalcomponent 122 is described in more detail below in connection with FIGS.12A and 12B.

FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting a top view of tray 100 and showingoptomechanical components mounted in pockets of the tray, in accordancewith an example embodiment. The tray 100 may be stacked upon one or moreother trays; in the depicted example, a tray 100 is stacked upon anothertray 100 (not shown). The tray 100 includes two optomechanicalcomponents 122. FIG. 9 includes a plane CC for a sectional view, whichis depicted in further detail in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting a third sectional view of a portion oftwo stacked trays 100A and 100B for optomechanical components, inaccordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 10 depicts a sectional viewcorresponding to plane CC in FIG. 9 . As depicted, there are threeoptomechanical components 122: one in the top tray 100A, and two in thebottom tray 100B. There is a nominal clearance distance from the top ofthe glass head element of an optomechanical component 122 to the stackedtray 100B. In some embodiments, the boss may function as a vacuum hole.

FIG. 11 is a diagram depicting the pocket 101 of the tray 100 with anoptomechanical component 122 mounted therein, in accordance with anexample embodiment. As depicted, FIG. 11 shows that the optomechanicalcomponent 122 that includes two optical fibers 124 that are heldtogether by a clip 126, which also holds the optomechanical component122 in place in the pocket 101 at the first cradle element 114.Optomechanical component 122 also includes a glass head element 128,which is supported by second cradle element 116 via fins 120. Thepresence of loose LC ports in two-channel fiber arrays may presentadditional problems addressed by the arrangement of the clip 126 andpocket 101. In particular, each pocket 101 constrains the barrels of thechannels via the interface of the clip 126 and the first cradle element114 so that, during the pick-up process on a bonder machine, the twobarrels may be properly constrained while preventing roll or pitch. Toease the pick-up process, the LC ports may be bound together using theclip 126 that is used as a process piece part. Additionally, fiberlengths of optical fibers 124 in a fiber array may be unequal; forexample, fiber lengths in an embodiment presented herein are offset by1.25 mm. To ensure the planarity of the piece part in the pocket 101 theclip 126 may be supported on the arms 118 of the first cradle element114.

The pocket 101 can hold the glass head element 128 of the optomechanicalcomponent 122 as shown, allowing for variation in the glass head size inall directions while also preventing excessive lateral movement duringtransportation. Moreover, the pocket design may enable fingers of amechanical gripper to grab the glass head element 128 from the sides ofthe head.

With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the optomechanical component 122 isdescribed in more detail. As depicted, the optomechanical component 122is a fiber array that includes the glass head element 128 and two LCports 130 on the ends of optical fibers 124 opposite the head element128. The optical fibers 124 are held together by clip 126. The headelement 128 may include a polished glass lid, a glass v-groovesubstrate, stripped optical fiber, and clear epoxy holding thesecomponents together, rendering the entire fiber array headnear-transparent. Since the transparency of the head element 128 maycause trouble during visioning, a fiducial hole (not shown) is providedfor each pocket. The v-grooves of substrate are used for locating theposition of the head in one direction, while the fiducial hole on thetray aids in locating in the other direction.

FIG. 12B is a diagram depicting an isometric view of an optomechanicalcomponent 122, in accordance with an example embodiment. Theoptomechanical component 122 is depicted without a clip 126, andincludes a head element 128 and two optical fibers 124, each having anLC port 130 attached at the end. Each LC port 130 has a flange 131 atwhich the diameter of the LC port 130 increases. The cylindrical portionof each LC port 130 may be alternatively referred to as a barrel.Without the clip 126 to hold the LC ports 130 together, the flexiblenature of the optical fibers 124 may cause damage to the optomechanicalcomponent 122 during handling.

FIG. 12C is a diagram depicting a side view of the pocket 101, inaccordance with an example embodiment. Optomechanical component 122 issupported at the head element 128 at one end by the second cradleelement 116, and is supported by the clip 126, that attaches to theoptical fibers 124, and rests in the first cradle element 114.

FIG. 12D is a diagram depicting an isometric view of the clip 126, inaccordance with an example embodiment. As depicted, clip 126 has aplurality of gripping elements 132 for holding optical fibers 124. Clip126 also includes a body portion 134 with edges that can be supported bythe first cradle element 114.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A and 13B. As depicted, the pocket 101includes side holes 106, the center hole 108, the vacuum hole 110, thefiducial hole 112, the first cradle element 114 configured to supportthe clip 126 that attaches to one or more optical fibers of theoptomechanical component 122, and the second cradle element 116configured to hold a head element 128 of an optomechanical component.The fiducial hole 112 provides a point of reference for an imagerecognition system, thereby enabling for an automated system to depositor remove a fiber array to/from the pocket 101. Trays 100 may be placedupon an elevated platform 136 when stacked so that the head elements 128optomechanical components 122 can lie flat without causing interferencewhen trays are stacked.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A and 14B. FIGS. 14A and 14B are moredetailed diagrams depicting isometric views of clip 126, in accordancewith an example embodiment. As depicted, clip 126 includes a top face127, a bottom face 129, four gripping elements 132, notches 138, an area140, a fiducial 142, notches 138, and cutouts 144 and 145. In someembodiments, the clip 126 is made of a thermoplastic, such aspolyetherimide and/or polypropylene, and is formed via injectionmolding. The gripping elements 132 are arranged in pairs so that eachpair of gripping elements 132 can hold the barrel of an LC port 130.When a clip 126 is attached to optomechanical component 122 (shown inprevious figures) by placing the gripping elements 132 around both LCports 130 (shown in previous figures), the clip 126 constrains the LCports 130 together in a manner that constrains the axes of the LC ports130 parallel to each other. The body of clip 126 is offset, as depicted,in an asymmetrical manner to accommodate a difference in lengths ofoptical fibers 124, which causes the LC ports 130 to be offset as well.

A pair of notches 138 are provided on opposite sides of the body of clip126. Each notch 138 may mate with an external stabilizing element toconstrain clip 126. Area 140 includes a flat portion on the top face ofthe body of clip 126. In particular, a vacuum tip may contact area 140such that, when a negative pressure is applied by the vacuum tip, clip126 may be picked up at area 140. Fiducial 142 provides a visual aid foruse by external equipment in identifying clip 126 and to provide a pointof reference for orienting the external equipment about clip 126.Cutouts 144 enable flexing of the body of clip 126, such as duringinsertion of the LC ports 130 into gripping elements 132. Cutouts 145enable flexing of the body of clip 126 as well, and are provided on oneside of clip 126 as a visual aid for a technician to readily distinguishthe orientation of clip 126 (i.e., one side of clip 126 includes twocutouts 144, whereas the other side includes two cutouts 144 and twocutouts 145).

Reference is now made to FIG. 14C. FIG. 14C is a diagram depicting anisometric view of a clip 126 for an optomechanical component, inaccordance with an example embodiment. As depicted, details of thegripping elements 132 are shown, including inset portions 133, gripcutouts 146, and flat portions 147. An inset portion 133 may be providedin the interior side of a gripping element 132 in order to mate with aflange 131 of an LC port 130. Grip cutouts 146 enable a gripping element132 to flex during insertion of an LC port 130. Flat portions 147contact the surface of an LC port 130 when the LC ports 130 areconstrained in accordance with embodiments presented herein. Inparticular, a force is applied to cause LC ports 130 to move toward thebottom face of clip 126, bringing each LC port 130 in contact with oneor more of the flat portions 147.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A and 15B. FIGS. 15A and 15B arediagrams depicting a vacuum tip tool 202 of a bonding machine 200engaging an optomechanical component assembly, in accordance with anexample embodiment. Reference is also made to FIG. 8 , which shows anoptomechanical component assembly including optomechanical component 122and clip 126 in a pocket 101 of tray 100. Bonding machine 200 controlsmovement of vacuum tip tool 202 in order to position vacuum tip tool 202over an optomechanical component assembly, which may be housed in apocket 101 of tray 100. Vacuum tip tool 202 includes a first vacuum tip204 and a second vacuum tip 206. The first vacuum tip 204 may be placedin contact with the head element 128 of optomechanical component 122,and the second vacuum tip 206 may be placed in contact with clip 126such that, when negative pressure is applied, suction is provided at thefirst vacuum tip 204 and second vacuum tip 206 to enable lifting of theoptomechanical component assembly when vacuum tip tool 202 is moved inan upward direction. Vacuum tip tool 202 may continue to hold theoptomechanical component assembly as long as the negative pressure isapplied.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart depicting a method 300 of engaging anoptomechanical component assembly using a vacuum tip tool, in accordancewith an example embodiment. Reference is also made to FIGS. 15A and 15Bin connection with the description of FIG. 16 .

The vacuum tip tool 202 of a bonding machine 200 is positioned incontact with an optomechanical component assembly at operation 310.Bonding machine 200 may identify an optomechanical component assembly bya fiducial, such as fiducial 142 of clip 126 and/or fiducial hole 112 ofpocket 101. Bonding machine 200 may include a visioning system foridentifying fiducials by analyzing image data captured by a camera.Based on the positions of the identified one or more fiducials, vacuumtip tool 202 is brought into contact with optomechanical componentassembly. In particular, a first vacuum tip 204 is brought into contactwith head element 128 of optomechanical component 122, and a secondvacuum tip 206 is brought into contact with area 140 on the top face ofclip 126.

The vacuum tip tool 202 is activated at operation 320. Activating vacuumtip tool 202 applies negative pressure at vacuum tips 204 and 206 byproviding vacuum suction. Vacuum tip tool 202 may be activated inresponse to bringing vacuum tips 204 and 206 into contact with theoptomechanical component assembly.

The optomechanical component assembly is removed from pocket 101 of tray100 at operation 330. Bonding machine 200 may move vacuum tip tool 202in an upward or outward direction to lift the optomechanical componentassembly, which is held in contact with vacuum tips 204 and 206 due tothe negative pressure being applied.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17A. FIG. 17A is a diagram depicting anoptomechanical component assembly prior to being constrained, inaccordance with an example embodiment. As depicted, the optomechanicalcomponent assembly includes optomechanical component 122 and clip 126,which rests on saddle elements 402. Stabilizing elements 404 arepositioned below the optomechanical component assembly, and LC ports 130hang loosely in gripping elements 132 of clip 126.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17B. FIG. 17B is a diagram depicting anoptomechanical component assembly that is constrained, in accordancewith an example embodiment. Stabilizing elements 404 have fingers thatmate with notches 138 of clip 126, preventing movement of clip 126.Block element 406 approaches the bottom face of clip 126 to apply aforce to LC ports 130, bringing LC ports 130 flush with flat portions147 of gripping elements 132 to constrain LC ports 130 in a manner thatprevents translational and rotational movement of LC ports 130. When LCports 130 are mechanically constrained, ferrules may engage each LCports 130 so that a laser source can emit photons down optical fibers124. When a ferrule engages with an LC port 130, a force of 1-2 N may beapplied in a direction to cause flanges 131 to press against grippingelements 132 at inset portions 133.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18 . FIG. 18 is a flow chart depicting amethod 500 of constraining an optomechanical component assembly, inaccordance with an example embodiment. Reference is also made to FIGS.17A and 17B for purposes of the description of FIG. 18 .

An optomechanical component assembly is placed in a processingapparatus, such as that shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, at operation 510.The optomechanical component assembly may be supported by saddleelements 402, which support clip 126 of the optomechanical componentassembly.

The optical connectors (e.g., LC ports 130) are constrained withstabilizing elements 404 and block element 406 at operation 520.Stabilizing elements 404 may include fingers that mate with notches 138of clip 126. Stabilizing elements 404 apply a force toward each other toplace clip 126 in compression, thereby preventing movement of clip 126in lateral directions. Block element 406 contacts LC ports 130, applyinga force to each LC port 130 to push the LC ports 130 toward the bottomface of clip 126, bringing LC ports 130 in contact with flat portions147 of gripping elements 132.

A light source is applied to the optical fibers 124 at operation 530.The light source may be provided by a laser, and is applied to LC ports130 so that emitted photons travel within optical fibers 124, which actas waveguides. Ferrules may engage with each LC port 130 to guide thelaser light to the LC ports 130. In some embodiments, the application ofa laser source to the LC ports 130 (and therefore optical fibers 124)enables alignment of a lens in an optical chip with which theoptomechanical component 122 may be associated. Because the lensredirects light from optical fibers 124 to the optical chip, a lens maybe aligned in order to change the direction in which light is redirected(e.g., to maximize the amount of light being redirected in a particulardirection).

Reference is now made to FIG. 19A. FIG. 19A is a diagram depicting anisometric view of a carrier 600 for an optomechanical componentassembly, in accordance with an example embodiment. As depicted, carrier600 includes a first confining element 602, a pair of second confiningelements 604, and an inset portion 606. The first confining element 602and pair of second confining elements 604 together hold anoptomechanical component assembly; the gap between the pair of secondconfining elements 604 enables passage of optical fibers 124. Insetportion 606 is adapted to receive clip 126, which contacts carrier 600at the top face of clip 126.

Reference is now made to FIG. 19B. FIG. 19B is a diagram depicting anisometric view of carrier 600 and an optomechanical component assembly,in accordance with an example embodiment. Optomechanical componentassembly further includes a sleeve 610, which surrounds the head element128 and a portion of each optical fiber 124. The sleeve 610 may becomposed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as rubber or neoprene.The first confining element 602 and the pair of second confiningelements 604 together hold the sleeve 610 in place when theoptomechanical component assembly is placed in the carrier 600. Clip 126mates with inset portion 606 to hold the optomechanical componentassembly in place.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 19C and 19D. FIGS. 19C and 19D arediagrams depicting an isometric view of a carrier 600 and anoptomechanical component assembly in a sliding module 620 of a fixture640, in accordance with an example embodiment. The optomechanicalcomponent assembly and carrier 600 may be inserted into sliding module620, which rests on track 630. The interface between sliding module 620and track 630 enables translational movement of sliding module 620 inone direction, so that each LC ports 130 of the optomechanical component122 may interface with an examination element 650 of fixture 640.

Reference is now made to FIG. 20 . FIG. 20 is a flow chart depicting amethod 700 of examining an optomechanical component, in accordance withan example embodiment. Reference is also made to FIGS. 19C and 19C forpurposes of the description of FIG. 20 .

An optomechanical component assembly is inserted onto a carrier atoperation 710. An optomechanical component assembly, including anoptomechanical component 122, clip 126, and sleeve 610, is placed intocarrier 600 to present the LC ports 130 for inspection. By placing theoptomechanical component such that the top face of clip 126 is orienteddownward, the force of gravity pulls the LC ports 130 into contact withthe flat portions 147 of gripping elements 132.

The carrier is inserted into a sliding module at operation 720. Thesliding module 620 is configured to receive carrier 600 such that the LCports 130 of the optomechanical component 122 can be aligned with anexamination element 650 of fixture 640 to which the sliding module 620is attached.

The first optical connector is aligned with an examination element andexamined at operation 730. The sliding module 620 may be moved to placean LC port 130 in alignment with an examination element 650, and theoptomechanical component 122 may be examined accordingly. Similarly, thesecond LC port 130 is aligned with the examination element 650 andexamined at operation 740. Examination element 650 may image LC ports130 with one or more cameras so that a technician may visually inspectdetails such as the presence of contaminants, concentricity of the LCports, and the like.

In one use case, and with reference to FIG. 1 , the tray 100 may beloaded onto an adapter bay of a fiber array bonder machine, and a steelplate of the adapter may include clips to grip the tray by its sides.The steel plate may include a reflective material, such as a tape, sothat the light passes through the fiducial hole 112 and reflects backduring visioning. Thus, the fiber array bonder's cameras may initiate asearch algorithm to locate a fiber array in the tray. Vacuum hole 110can mate with a vacuum nipple fitting such that the vacuum can pull downon each optomechanical component 122 when the tray is ready for thepick-up process. The fiber array bonding equipment may include atwo-pointed vacuum tip tool that picks up optomechanical components 122by their glass head elements 128 and the body of each clip 126.

In one form, an apparatus is provided comprising: a tray having aplurality of pockets arranged in an array, wherein each pocket isconfigured to hold an optomechanical component, and wherein each pocketincludes: at least one fiducial hole; at least one vacuum hole; a firstcradle element configured to support a clip that attaches to one or moreoptical fibers of the optomechanical component; and a second cradleelement configured to support a head of the optomechanical component. Ina further form, the plurality of pockets comprises thirty-six pocketsarranged in a six-by-six array.

In another form, the tray has dimensions corresponding to a genericmatrix tray for handling and shipping defined according to JointElectron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) Solid State TechnologyAssociation Publication Number 95 Design Guide 4.10 and variationsthereof. In another form, the tray is composed of a carbon-filled glasscomposite. In another form, the tray is composed of a material having astatic dissipative surface resistivity of between 10⁵ to 10¹²ohms/square.

In another form, the tray is configured to be stacked onto an additionalone or more trays. In another form, the tray is configured to support anadditional one or more trays stacked upon the tray.

In one form, an apparatus is provided comprising: an optomechanicalcomponent comprising a head portion that joins a first optical fiber anda second optical fiber at a first end of each optical fiber, a firstoptical connector attached to a second end of the first optical fiber, asecond optical connector attached to a second end of the second opticalfiber, and a clip having a body portion and a plurality of grippingelements that attach to the first optical connector and the secondoptical connector to join the first optical fiber and the second opticalfiber; and a tray having a plurality of pockets arranged in an array,wherein each pocket of the tray includes: at least one fiducial, atleast one vacuum hole, a first cradle element that supports the clip ofthe optomechanical component, and a second cradle element that supportsthe head portion of the optomechanical component.

In another form, the first optical connector and/or the second opticalconnector comprises a Lucent Connector (LC) port. In another form, thefirst optical fiber and the second optical fiber have different lengths.

In another form, the plurality of pockets comprises thirty-six pocketsarranged in a six-by-six array.

In another form, the at least one vacuum hole is configured to mate witha vacuum nipple fitting that applies a vacuum to secure theoptomechanical component to the tray.

In another form, the optomechanical component is placed in a pocket ofthe plurality of pockets of the tray by a vacuum tip tool of a fiberarray bonder machine, and the fiber array bonder machine utilizes the atleast one fiducial of each pocket to identify the pocket for placementof the optomechanical component.

In another form, wherein the tray has dimensions corresponding to ageneric matrix tray for handling and shipping defined according to JointElectron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) Solid State TechnologyAssociation Publication Number 95 Design Guide 4.10. In another form,the tray is composed of a material having a static dissipative surfaceresistivity of between 10⁵ to 10¹² ohms/square. In another form, thetray is composed of a carbon-filled glass composite.

In another form, the tray is configured to support an additional one ormore trays while the optomechanical component is held by the tray,wherein the additional one or more trays are stacked upon the tray.

In one form, a method is provided comprising: positioning a vacuum tiptool of a bonding machine in contact with an optomechanical componentassembly resting in a pocket of a tray, wherein the vacuum tip toolcomprises a first vacuum tip and a second vacuum tip, wherein theoptomechanical component assembly comprises a head portion that joins afirst optical fiber and a second optical fiber at a first end of eachoptical fiber, a first optical connector attached to a second end of thefirst optical fiber, a second optical connector attached to a second endof the second optical fiber, and a clip having a body portion and aplurality of gripping elements that attach to the first opticalconnector and the second optical connector to join the first opticalfiber and the second optical fiber, and wherein positioning the vacuumtip tool comprises placing the first vacuum tip in contact with the headportion and the second vacuum tip in contact with the body portion ofthe clip; activating the vacuum tip tool to apply negative pressure, viathe first vacuum tip and the second vacuum tip, to the head portion andthe body portion of the clip; and removing the optomechanical componentassembly from the pocket of the tray by moving the vacuum tip tool ofthe bonding machine.

In another form, positioning the vacuum tip tool comprises: using avisioning system of the bonding machine to identify a first fiducial ofthe pocket and a second fiducial of the clip; and orienting the vacuumtip tool based on the first fiducial and the second fiducial.

In another form, the optomechanical component assembly is supported bythe pocket prior to removing the optomechanical component assembly, andwherein the pocket comprises a first cradle element that supports theclip of the optomechanical component assembly and a second cradleelement that supports the head portion of the optomechanical componentassembly.

In one form, a clip for an optomechanical component that includes a pairof optical fibers is provided, the clip comprising: a body having a topface and a bottom face; and a plurality of gripping elements arranged inpairs on the bottom face, each pair of gripping elements configured tosupport a barrel of an optical connector of a pair of optical connectorseach attached to a corresponding optical fiber of the pair of opticalfibers.

In another form, the top face of the clip comprises a contact area for avacuum tip, and a fiducial.

In another form, the body of the clip is configured to rest with thebottom face contacting a cradle element of a pocket of a tray.

In another form, the body of the clip includes a pair of notches onopposite sides of the body, wherein each notch is configured to matewith a stabilizing element. In another form, the body of the clipincludes a plurality of body cutouts to permit flexing of the body ofthe clip during insertion of the barrel of the optical connector.

In another form, a gripping element of the plurality of grippingelements includes one or more grip cutouts configured to permit flexingof the gripping element. In another form, the plurality of grippingelements includes two pairs of gripping elements. In another form, agripping element of the plurality of gripping elements includes one ormore flat portions that contact the barrel of the optical connector whena force is applied to the barrel that accelerates the barrel toward thebottom face of the body of the clip. In another form, a gripping elementof the plurality of gripping elements has an inset portion configured tomate with a flange of the barrel of an optical connector.

In another form, the two pairs of gripping elements are offset toaccommodate a difference in lengths of the optical fibers of the pair ofoptical fibers.

In another form, the clip is formed of a thermoplastic material.

In one form, a method is provided comprising: constraining a pair ofoptical connectors of an optomechanical component using a clip, whereinthe optomechanical component comprises a head portion that joins a pairof optical fibers, each optical fiber terminating in an opticalconnector of the pair of optical connectors, wherein the clip comprisesa body having a top face and a bottom face, wherein the bottom facecomprises a plurality of gripping elements arranged in pairs, each pairof gripping elements configured to support a barrel of an opticalconnector of a pair of optical connectors each attached to acorresponding optical fiber of the pair of optical fibers, and whereinconstraining the pair of optical connectors comprises: holding the clipin place with a pair of stabilizing elements positioned on oppositesides of the body of the clip, wherein the pair of stabilizing elementstogether apply an inward force to place the body of the clip incompression, and wherein each stabilizing element of the pair ofstabilizing elements mates with a notch of a corresponding pair ofnotches of the body of the clip; and positioning a block element at thebottom face of the clip so that the block element contacts each opticalconnector of the pair of optical connectors, and applies a force thatconstrains each optical connector against the corresponding pair ofgripping elements.

In another form, the method further includes after constraining the pairof optical connectors, emitting light into an optical connector of thepair of optical connectors.

In another form of the method, the plurality of gripping elementscomprises two pairs of gripping elements. In another form of the method,a gripping element of the plurality of gripping elements includes one ormore flat portions that contact the barrel of the optical connector whenthe force is applied by the block element. In another form of themethod, the force applied by the block element is applied in a directionthat accelerates the pair of optical connectors toward the bottom faceof the body of the clip.

In another form of the method, constraining the pair of opticalconnectors further comprises mating a flange of the barrel of an opticalconnector with an inset portion of a gripping element of the pluralityof gripping elements.

In another form of the method, the top face of the clip comprises afiducial, and the pair of stabilizing elements are positioned based on aposition of the fiducial.

In one form, a method is provided comprising: inserting anoptomechanical assembly onto a carrier, the optomechanical assemblycomprising a head portion that joins a first optical fiber and a secondoptical fiber at a first end of each of the first optical fiber and thesecond optical fiber, a first optical connector attached to a second endof the first optical fiber, a second optical connector attached to asecond end of the second optical fiber, and a clip having a body portionand a plurality of gripping elements that attach to the opticalconnectors of the first and second optical fibers to join the first andsecond optical fibers; inserting the carrier into a sliding module of afixture; aligning the first optical connector with an examinationelement of the fixture by moving the sliding module; and examining thefirst optical fiber using the examination element.

In another form, the method further comprises moving the sliding moduleto align the second optical connector with the examination element; andexamining the second optical fiber using the examination element.

The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented forpurposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variationswill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminologyused herein was chosen to best explain the principles of theembodiments, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: constraining a pair ofoptical connectors of an optomechanical component using a clip, whereinthe optomechanical component comprises a head portion that joins a pairof optical fibers, each optical fiber terminating in an opticalconnector of the pair of optical connectors, wherein the clip comprisesa body having a top face and a bottom face, wherein the bottom facecomprises a plurality of gripping elements arranged in pairs, each pairof gripping elements configured to support a barrel of an opticalconnector of the pair of optical connectors each attached to acorresponding optical fiber of the pair of optical fibers; and whereinconstraining the pair of optical connectors comprises: holding the clipin place with a pair of stabilizing elements positioned on oppositesides of the body of the clip, wherein the pair of stabilizing elementstogether apply an inward force to place the body of the clip incompression, and wherein each stabilizing element of the pair ofstabilizing elements mates with a notch of a corresponding pair ofnotches of the body of the clip; and positioning a block element at thebottom face of the clip so that the block element contacts each opticalconnector of the pair of optical connectors, and applies a force thatconstrains each optical connector against the pair of gripping elements.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response toconstraining the pair of optical connectors, emitting light into anoptical connector of the pair of optical connectors.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein a source of the light emitted into the opticalconnector includes a laser.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein a ferruleengages with the optical connector to guide the light to the opticalconnector.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of grippingelements comprises two pairs of gripping elements.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein a gripping element of the plurality of grippingelements comprises one or more flat portions that contact the barrel ofthe optical connector when the force is applied by the block element. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the force applied by the block element isapplied in a direction to move the pair of optical connectors toward thebottom face of the body of the clip.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinconstraining the pair of optical connectors further comprises mating aflange of the barrel of an optical connector with an inset portion of agripping element of the plurality of gripping elements.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the pair of optical fibers comprises a first opticalfiber and a second optical fiber that have different lengths.
 10. Asystem comprising: an optomechanical component that includes a pair ofoptical connectors; a pair of stabilizing elements; and a block element;wherein the optomechanical component further comprises a head portionthat joins a pair of optical fibers, each optical fiber terminating inan optical connector of the pair of optical connectors, and a clip,wherein the clip comprises a body having a top face and a bottom face,wherein the bottom face of the clip comprises a plurality of grippingelements arranged in pairs, each pair of gripping elements configured tosupport a barrel of an optical connector of the pair of opticalconnectors, each optical connector attached to a corresponding opticalfiber of the pair of optical fibers; wherein the pair of stabilizingelements is configured to hold the clip in place by engaging oppositesides of the body of the clip, and to apply an inward force to place thebody of the clip in compression, and wherein each stabilizing element ofthe pair of stabilizing elements mates with a notch of a correspondingpair of notches of the body of the clip; and wherein the block elementis positioned at the bottom face of the clip so as to contact eachoptical connector of the pair of optical connectors, and apply a forcethat constrains each optical connector against the pair of grippingelements.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of grippingelements comprises two pairs of gripping elements.
 12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein a gripping element of the plurality of grippingelements comprises one or more flat portions that contact the barrel ofthe optical connector when the force is applied by the block element.13. The system of claim 10, wherein the force applied by the blockelement is in a direction to move the pair of optical connectors towardthe bottom face of the body of the clip.
 14. The system of claim 10,wherein the pair of optical connectors is constrained by mating a flangeof the barrel of an optical connector with an inset portion of agripping element of the plurality of gripping elements.
 15. A methodcomprising: inserting an optomechanical assembly onto a carrier, theoptomechanical assembly comprising a head portion that joins a firstoptical fiber and a second optical fiber at a first end of each of thefirst optical fiber and the second optical fiber, a first opticalconnector attached to a second end of the first optical fiber, a secondoptical connector attached to a second end of the second optical fiber,and a clip having a body portion and a plurality of gripping elementsthat attach to the first and second optical connectors of the first andsecond optical fibers to join the first and second optical fibers;inserting the carrier into a sliding module of a fixture; aligning thefirst optical connector with an examination element of the fixture bymoving the sliding module; and examining the first optical fiber usingthe examination element.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:moving the sliding module to align the second optical connector with theexamination element; and examining the second optical fiber using theexamination element.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein examiningcomprises imaging the first optical connector with a camera.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein imaging the first optical connector with thecamera is for detecting a presence of a contaminant.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the first optical fiber and the second optical fiberhave different lengths.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein theoptomechanical assembly further comprises a sleeve that surrounds thehead portion and at least a portion of each of the first optical fiberand the second optical fiber.